A blast near an Israeli bus on Wednesday afternoon killed one woman and wounded some 20 people in central Jerusalem. Four of the wounded were in serious condition. A 59 year old woman died of her injuries in a local hospital.

According to Israeli press reports, an explosive device was planted near bus No. 74. Immediately after the blast a huge force of Israeli police and dozens of ambulances rushed to the scene of the explosion, which occurred near the central bus station at the Western entrance to Jerusalem. According to the Israeli police, Wednesday's blast was the first in a Jerusalm bus since 2004.

Following the blast, Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed his planned departure for an official visit to Russia. The Palestinian Authority prime minister Salam Fayyad condemed the blast.